TFC Posted January 11, 2017 Report Share Posted January 11, 2017 OK.... long time fish keeper here, first shrimp tank. I know I am probably just over thinking everything. I really thought I understood but, now not so much. So here is my Q: I decided to purchase RO water from my LFS. They informed me that they re-mineralize there. So after collecting all my plants and rocks, moss etc... I get home with my RO water and begin to test it. My TDS meter reads it at 600. My GH is at 8 but my KH is over 22 ppm. Ph is 6.4 . Now, at the same time I have an aqua scape tank same size 10G, for this tank I purchased distilled water for the initial set up. Here my TDS meter reads at 144 GH is 6 and KH is 3. I am soooo confused. Answer me this... did they over re-mineralize the RO water. At first I thought maybe they gave me the wrong RO water (marine) but, they know me and know what I am doing. I'm certain he gave me the correct water. Can anyone help me understand this and, maybe I should just be using distilled water. IDK like I said this is first attempt at setting up a shrimp tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DA SHRIMP KID Posted January 11, 2017 Report Share Posted January 11, 2017 600 ???? OMG way too high. They might have thought you were doing salt water shrimp. If you want to get into shrimp buy yourself a RO system approximately ($100-$150). If your somewhat handy its not too difficult to hook it up . Buy Salty shrimp GH+ which you will add to your RO when your doing water changes. You want your TDS to be 120-130 . Also you want to use a buffering substrate which will keep your Ph at 6.0 - 6.5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chappy6107 Posted January 11, 2017 Report Share Posted January 11, 2017 stick your finger in the "ro" water and taste it. if it is not salty, it is not marine water. I think it is odd that they remineralize for you. The main reason most of us buy ro water is so that we know what exactly is going into our water. I would not use that water. If you do decide to use it, dilute it with some distilled water from the store and make sure to check for ammonia. I would find another source to buy ro water from. DA SHRIMP KID 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TFC Posted January 11, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2017 Okay, Update...I went by my LFS and talked to them , they prepared the water for me and yes it's way to high.. evidently I should have talked to them about it being a shrimp tank. Generally they only do it if you request it. I had ask about it, I guess I wasn't very clear.. He replaced the water and I do have the shrimp salt I need. I feel stupid LOL... I didn't occur to me to double check with the LFS.. But, Thanks to all.... It's nice to have some feed back. so yeah its all good.... TFC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chappy6107 Posted January 11, 2017 Report Share Posted January 11, 2017 good to know that they worked with you. Sounds like you are now on the right track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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